Intensive TA Profiles: California

About California

Reform Efforts

Teacher and Leader Preparation:

California revised its education program standards to include the knowledge and skills educators need to work effectively with all students, including students with disabilities and English learners. The institutions of higher education (IHEs) have increased collaboration between general and special education teacher and leadership preparation programs to better prepare educators for diverse populations. Each university has strengthened local education agency (LEA) partnerships to enhance candidates’ clinical experiences in inclusive settings.

The CEEDAR IHEs are developing and implementing the undergraduate Urban Dual Credential Programs (i.e., special and general education certification) and online modules for teacher and leadership preparation that present evidence-based strategies to meet the needs of students with disabilities. IHEs have also strengthened partnerships with LEAs to create more inclusive schools and provided professional learning opportunities for faculty. The IHEs have used the innovation configurations (ICs) and the new state standards for teachers and administrators to review and revise their courses and programs.

Certification and Licensure Standards:

California approved new teacher standards for general educators, described as the “trunk” of a tree—the skills all teachers need to know and be able to do to work effectively with diverse populations. The “branches,” the specialized skills needed by those who work intensively with students with disabilities, are in development. Licensure structures are also being reconsidered.

Preparation Program Approval and Licensure:

The standards for multiple- and single-subject programs have been approved and include the new teaching performance expectations designed to prepare teachers to work effectively with diverse populations. The standards for education specialist programs have not yet been revised, but it is anticipated that the Commission will direct staff to work on this in the near future.

Webpage:

Module:

These free professional development modules were a collaborative venture between California State University Los Angeles and the CEEDAR Center.

In Their Own Words

Interested in learning more about reform efforts in California? Contact one of our CEEDAR agency representatives.

Agency Representative

Name

Email

CEEDAR

Paul Sindelar

pts@coe.ufl.edu

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

Sarah Solari Colombini

ssolari@ctc.ca.gov

Brandman University

Lynn Larsen

larsen@brandman.edu

California State University-Fresno

Colleen Torgerson

colleent@csufresno.edu

California State University-Long Beach

Cara Richards-Tutor

cara.richards-tutor@csulb.edu

California State University-Los Angeles

Andrea Zetlin

azetlin@exchange.calstatela.edu

Loyola Marymount University

Vicki Graf

victoria.graf@lmu.edu

San Francisco State University

Josie Arce

jarce@sfsu.edu

Disclaimer

This website was produced under U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, Award No. H325A170003. David Guardino serves as the project officer. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the positions or polices of the U.S. Department of Education. No official endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education of any product, commodity, service, or enterprise mentioned in this website is intended or should be inferred.